Solar PV, offering over 9% return on Investment

Solar panel electricity systems, also known as solar photovoltaics (PV), capture the sun’s energy using photovoltaic cells. These cells don’t need direct sunlight to work – they can still generate some electricity on a cloudy day. The cells convert the light into electricity, which can be used to run household appliances and lighting.

How it works & the benefits

Cut your electricity bills: sunlight is free, so once you’ve paid for the initial installation, your electricity costs will be reduced. Save around 14p per unit that you otherwise would have purchased from your electricity supplier.

Get paid for the electricity you generate: the government’s Feed-In Tariffs pay you 4.38p per unit for the electricity you generate, even if you use it.

Sell electricity back to the grid: if your system is producing more electricity than you need, or when you can’t use it, you can sell the surplus back to the grid. You’ll get paid another 4.85p per unit for your export tariff.

Cut your carbon footprint: solar electricity is green, renewables energy and doesn’t release any harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants. A typical home solar PV system could save over a tonne of carbon dioxide per year – that’s more than 30 tonnes over its lifetime.

The Feed-In Tariff

Under the government’s feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme, you’ll be paid for every unit of electricity you generate, whether you use it or not.

Since the scheme was introduced in 2010 it’s encouraged thousands of UK homeowners to install PV panels. And as well as securing strong financial returns through the tariff, you’ll also enjoy lower energy bills, protect your home from rising fuel prices and lower your impact on the environment. It all makes solar PV the ultimate feel-good investment.

We only install Tier 1 systems

We prefer to give our clients a choice of tier A modules based on performance and aesthetic appeal. From our all black panels from SolarWorld, to other high performing panels from the likes of LG.

For our solar inverters (that convert the solar panel DC power in usable AC power) we work with Solaredge and SMA.

Solar Guarantees? Peace of mind comes with our systems.

We offer a 10 year insurance backed guarantee, so that our clients can be assured that their long term investment will be supported in the long term in the event of the unforeseeable .

Such is the design and quality of our systems, we also offer a solar generation guarantee, which means we can pay back the difference if the generation of our systems are more than 10% off the annual estimates given.

How the Feed in Tariff works

The feed-in tariff is guaranteed by the government for 20 years. Payments are tax free (as long as you live in the property rather than rent it out) and will also increase in line with inflation.

If you have a solar PV system installed at home, you’ll benefit in three ways:

You’ll get paid for all the electricity you produce

This is called the generation tariff. Your electricity supplier will pay you the current FIT rates for every unit of electricity your system generates, whether you use it in your home or not. Currently the rate for new installed small home installations (below 10 kWp) is 4.38p for every unit (or kWh) you generate. This rate is valid for installation installed before 31 March 2016.

You’ll get extra payment for the electricity you don’t use

Also known as the export tariff. You probably won’t use all the energy you generate, so what’s left over will be exported into the grid. Your electricity provider will pay you an extra 4.85p for every unit. Most suppliers can’t meter this, so they assume you’ll use half the units you produce and pay you for the rest.

You’ll reduce your energy bills

Electricity generated by your solar panels will feed directly into your house, so it will power any appliances you’re using during daylight hours. As electricity prices continue to rise, this is a huge benefit for our customers. Lots of our customers save more by changing small habits, such as using the washing machine and dishwasher during the day instead of the evening.

Eligible systems

To claim the tariff, your system needs to meet a few simple criteria:

Your installer must be accredited with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS)

Your panels must also be approved and must be new. Second-hand or reconditioned equipment isn’t eligible.

Your system size must be less than 10 kWp to qualify for the highest tariff rate. Most domestic systems are well within this limit.

Your energy supplier must offer FIT payments. The big six suppliers – British Gas, EDF, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power or Scottish & Southern Energy – are legally obliged to make payments and many (though not all) smaller suppliers have opted in to the scheme.

Since 1 April 2012, homes must also meet the minimum energy efficiency standards to claim the full tariff. This is explained in more detail below.

Energy Performance Certificates

From 1 April 2012, only homes that have an energy performance certificate (EPC) at grade D or above will receive the full feed-in tariff

EPC’s give homeowners a snapshot of how energy efficient their home is. It shows you how your home ranks on a chart of seven coloured bands, ranging from A (the most efficient, in dark green) to G (the worst, in red).

Registering for FITs

Registering for payments is simple. First we’ll add you to the central MCS database, then send you a certificate confirming your system complies with MCS standards. Next, you’ll need to tell your electricity supplier you’d like to register for the FIT and send them a completed application form along with your MCS certificate and the energy performance certificate. Don’t worry, we’ll help with all the paperwork.

Your electricity supplier will check your installation against the MCS database, confirm that the system’s eligible and add you to the Ofgem Central FIT Register. They’ll also let you know when they need you to give meter readings, and tell you when to expect payment.